Hiatt Baker Hall Handbook Information and Regulations 2011/2012 1 Hiatt Baker Hall: the community The University of Bristol is one of the foremost academic institutions in the United Kingdom. It attracts the most able academics and students. Its Halls of Residence are an integral part of the University itself: they are congenial and supportive communities of undergraduates and Senior Residents drawn from all parts of the University. Hiatt Baker Hall, which is the University’s largest Hall of Residence, aims to provide its students with an environment in which they are able to study effectively, and are also offered opportunities for a wide range of social activities, from individual friendships to organised events. The University regards the personal development of its students in its Halls to be as important to their future as their intellectual development in their academic subject. Hiatt Baker Hall is named in honour of the late Hiatt Cowles Baker, a benefactor and Pro Chancellor of the University of Bristol. It was built in 1966 and provides single study-bedroom accommodation in six residential blocks for 447 male and female students and 11 Senior Residents. The central Hall Building, situated between the residential blocks, contains a dining room, common room and bar, a games room and administrative offices. The Library Building, situated near the entrance to the Hall grounds, contains the Hall Library, common rooms, and music practice rooms. These are usually referred to as the “Main block” and the “Library block”. All students are encouraged to contribute to the life of the community. The Junior Common Room Committee, which represents students in Hall, plays an important role in this regard. It organises social, sporting and cultural activities and promotes the interests of its members. The games room, computer room and library are administered by members of the JCR, and the President and other members of the committee are involved in the running of the Hall both informally and through the formal committee structures. There will be elections for JCR representatives towards the middle of October, and you are encouraged to stand for one of the positions. Please become involved as much as possible in the communal life of the Hall, so that you get the most out of what it has to offer, and also contribute to the creation of its character and identity. The Warden, Deputy Warden and Senior Residents are normally resident in Hall. Together, they comprise the Senior Common Room (SCR). The Warden’s House is the building next to the main block, and the Deputy Warden’s opposite the Library block. Senior Resident rooms are situated in the residential blocks. The Senior Residents should be turned to in the first instance in case of difficulty or emergency when the Hall Office is closed. Appointments to see the Warden can be made through the Hall Office. 2 All University of Bristol residences are managed in compliance with Universities UK Code of Practice, a copy is available in your Hall office and full details are available at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/accommodation/uuk/. Your rights and responsibilities as a tenant of the University are defined by the Student Residence Conditions which are found at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/accommodation/ug/guide/residences/terms.html and you should make sure that you have read them carefully. If you breach the conditions of your tenancy you may be served notice to leave your residence within 28 days. If you do not leave your residence within the given time frame the University may seek a possession order through the County Court. 1 General information about Hiatt Baker Hall: This information is correct at the time of printing, but the web version of the handbook should also be consulted as this is updated throughout the year. Absence It is very important that your residence knows when you are away in case there is a fire. If you are going to be away from Hall overnight, you must fill in an Exeat Form, available from outside the Hall Office and give it to the porter or post it under the Hall Office door. Access University staff and contractors will normally try to give 24 hours notice that access is required to a flat or bedroom, however in the case of an emergency immediate access may be necessary. The University’s guidance for accessing accommodation is available at http://www.bris.ac.uk/accommodation/usefuldocs/access.pdf Where a repair has been requested notice that access is required will be deemed to have been given. All University staff and contractors will carry identification and residents should always ask to see it. Accidents and Emergencies In an emergency telephone: University Security Services (0117) 92 87848 or (0117) 112233 All Security Services staff are First Aid trained. Fire, Police, Ambulance 999 First Aiders are Tracey Brooks: 0117 90 32980 Daniel Jones: 0117 90 32977 First Aid appointed persons Tina Nussbaum and Diane Marquick : 0117 90 32975 Gordon Trevett: 0117 90 32973 All Senior Residents First aid Boxes are located at The Senior Common Room Kitchen Housekeeping Corridor Porters’ Lodge Warden’s House ALL ACCIDENTS, EMERGENCIES, DANGEROUS INCIDENTS OR SERIOUS ILLNESSES MUST BE REPORTED TO THE HALL OFFICE, DUTY SENIOR RESIDENT OR WARDEN, IMMEDIATELY 3 Bedrooms Your bedroom will be supplied with a bed, mattress, desk, task lighting, chair, curtains/blind, drawers/shelving, wardrobe and waste receptacle. We do not supply bed linen, duvets or pillows NB for reasons of safety residents are not permitted to have their own heaters or cooking equipment such as toasters or kettles in their bedrooms. Any such items may be taken into storage by residence staff. Cleaning Residents are expected to maintain their accommodation including communal areas in a clean and habitable condition. Failure to observe basic standards of cleanliness and hygiene may lead to the suspension of normal cleaning services, removal of goods or material and/or the imposition of charges for additional cleaning. Please note: Washing up in pantries is the responsibility of the residents, not staff. Subject to the above, the cleaning provided in Hiatt Baker Hall as a minimum is Area Halls and Stairways Frequency Once or Twice a week depending on usage Kitchens Minimum twice a week Shared Bathrooms/Showers/Wcs Minimum twice a week Bedrooms Student responsibility Service Hoover and wash floors Wipe banisters and window sills Empty rubbish Wipe surfaces and clean sink (if possible). Wipe cooker and microwave Hoover and mop floor Wipe sanitary ware and surfaces Communications It is important that you regularly read the notice boards in Hall, especially “Warden’s Notices” situated opposite the Porters’ Lodge and those inside the entrances to the blocks. Important Hall information is emailed to all members of Hall using their University email address. It is important to check emails regularly. Internal telephone numbers of key Hall staff are to be found on page 9 of this Handbook. If you need to make an appointment with the Warden, you can do so through the Hall Office, open between 8.30am-5.00pm or telephone 0117 903 2990, internal 32990. Complaints Very occasionally students are unhappy with their accommodation or the services they are receiving. You should always try to resolve any complaint you have informally first by talking to your Senior Resident or Warden. If they cannot help you should put your complaint to the Head of Accommodation Services, Students Union or your Personal Tutor. 4 If your complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction you should contact the Director of Residential and Hospitality Services and if he is unable to help you can make a formal complaint to the University Secretary at student-complaints@bris.ac.uk. Further details of the formal complaints’ procedure are available at http://www.bris.ac.uk/secretary/studentrulesregs/complaints.html Ultimately you may take the case to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education, which provides an independent scheme for the review of student complaints. The OIA will consider cases only when the University’s own internal complaints and appeal procedures have been exhausted. It will not intervene on matters which turn purely on academic assessment. Further information about this scheme is available at http://oiahe.org.uk Damage Deposits Your first accommodation payment includes £200 as a damage deposit. Deductions may be made for any cleaning, repairs or replacements needed to University property, which go beyond normal wear and tear and which arise out of damage or negligence by yourself or your guests. Deductions may include administrative costs of up to £25.00. Where damage occurs in a communal area such as a kitchen it may be charged to all the occupants of a flat, corridor or block. You can appeal against any charges to the Residences Facilities Manager for your residence. Where the costs of repair or replacement exceed £200 you will be invoiced separately. An example of charges is given below, please note that these may vary according to labour or costs involved. Clean 1 wall Repaint 1 wall Replace 1 mattress Clean 1 carpet Replace 1 carpet Replace 1 key Clean 1 fridge, freezer, oven or hob Clean 1 kitchen, bedroom or bathroom £15 £70 £80 £40 £200 £20 £20 £35 Electoral Registration All students resident in University owned Halls or Houses, apart from those living at Langford, will be included in the block registration of voters in the October of each year. Students who move into or out of University owned accommodation after October in any year are responsible for ensuring their own registration. Students living in Langford accommodation are responsible for their own registration. Electrical Equipment All University electrical equipment is PAT tested (Portable Appliance Testing) on an Any electrical appliances you bring must be British Standard approved and Electrical appliances must not be used in bathrooms and showers unless designed for that purpose Adaptors should have a trailing lead and must not be overloaded 5 Cables should be positioned carefully and not present a trip hazard or other risk International students should ensure that their equipment is suitable for use in the U.K. The electricity supply in the UK is 220 – 240 v, this is different in many other countries. If you are bringing electrical items with you check the labelling it should say input: 100 or 220 to 240 v, otherwise you will need a special adaptor. It is dangerous to try to plug in an electrical item that cannot work on 220 – 240 v. Also in the UK plugs have three square shaped pins and you will need a plug adaptor. You must not modify or interfere with electrical equipment. Any faults, possible hazards or safety concerns should be notified to a member of staff as soon as possible Heaters and cooking equipment are not permitted in bedrooms and may be removed to storage The University does not accept any liability for appliances brought in by students. Any such appliances may be inspected for safety by University staff and may be removed to storage if considered dangerous Energy The University is committed to reducing our carbon impact and encourages residents reduce energy and water use and participate in the various carbon reduction initiatives. All residents are asked to use energy responsibly. In particular to ensure that: All gas or electrical items are turned off when rooms are empty unless required for security. http://www.bristol.ac.uk/environment/energy/saveenergy.html#home All laptops or PCs are set to hibernate or standby. To set your computer go to the start menu, select control panel, select power options (often found in Performance and Maintenance) then select standby or hibernate. Other suggestions for reducing your impact on the environment can be found at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/environment/documents/green-living.pdf Fire Students must familiarise themselves with the fire and safety regulations and procedures. Please read the “Action in Case of Fire” notice in your flat or on your corridor and make sure you have familiarised yourself with fire exit routes from your room and from communal parts of the Hall. In the event of the fire alarm sounding you must leave the building at once and assemble in Car Park. Do not wait to pick up personal belongings. You are not expected to fight fires, only use extinguishers to aid your escape in an emergency. The Residence is equipped with fire and smoke alarms, and with fire fighting equipment. This equipment must not be tampered with. All pantries in the blocks are fitted with fire blankets and the corridors have water and carbon dioxide fire extinguishers 6 All study bedrooms are equipped with smoke detectors and some are linked to the automatic fire alarm. These are very sensitive and are easily set off. False alarms cause disruption and annoyance to all other residents. False alarms also put lives at risk. If the fire and rescue service is dealing with a false alarm, they can’t go to help those in need at a real emergency, such as a fire or road traffic collision. Please do all you can to limit false alarms. The most common cause of false fire alarms is cooking setting off corridor alarms because the kitchen door has been propped open. Malicious false alarms will result in a fixed penalty of £80 under the disciplinary regulations. If the offence is repeated the student will be in breach of his or her tenancy and will be served notice to leave the residence. . Under no circumstances must you attempt to cover or interfere with the smoke or heat detector, this endangers all the residents in the building. Any student who covers or interferes with or allows a smoke or heat detector to be covered or interfered with will be fined £100 under the disciplinary regulations. If the offence is repeated the student will be in breach of his or her tenancy and will be served notice to leave the residence. The highest fire risks arise from cooking being left unattended or students using dirty pans especially grill pans. Where a fire or fire alarm results from students’ reckless or careless behavior fines may be imposed under the disciplinary regulations. If the alarm goes off, you must evacuate the building immediately and make sure that a senior resident or member of staff is informed, so that they can deal with the matter and deactivate the alarm. Never assume it is a false alarm. Fire exit doors/routes must be kept free from obstruction at all times. Do not obstruct corridors and stairs. These must be clear so that in the event of a fire rapid exit from buildings is possible. This is one reason why bikes are not to be brought into buildings. Anything found to be obstructing a fire exit may be removed to storage without notice. You must not bring any highly inflammable or dangerous substance into your room or flat (including foam-filled furniture). Ensure that all rubbish (especially packing material) is disposed of promptly and properly. Do not bring any additional furniture without the permission of the Hall Accommodation Manager or hang drapes on walls/ceilings as you may be contravening fire regulations. Any items which pose a risk may be removed to storage without notice. Fire alarms are tested on a weekly basis every Friday between the hours of 12 noon and 2.00 pm. It is not necessary to evacuate during fire alarm testing. It is not necessary to evacuate during fire alarm testing. Gardens and grounds The gardens and grounds are maintained by the University’s Grounds Services. In the case of ice or snow access will be cleared by the residence porters or grounds services as appropriate. Ball games are not permitted in the Hall grounds except on the flat grassy area between F block and Wills Hall. You must not damage property, or the grounds, and you should avoid causing a nuisance to others. Skateboarding is not permitted anywhere in Hall. 7 Guests and visitors You must not have overnight guests in the Accommodation except by permission of the Warden. It is very important that we know who is in the residence in case there is a fire. You must fill in a Visitor Form, and if necessary a Temporary Car Parking Form, available from outside the Hall Office, and hand them into the Porters’ Lodge or Hall Office. Camp beds are available for hire from the Porters’ Lodge (£10 deposit, £9 refund on return) and a limited number of rooms for visitors can be booked through the Housekeeping Office. Information on charges for these can be obtained from the Housekeeping Office. Meals for guests can be purchased from the duty manager or porter at the Servery. Only very exceptionally are guests permitted to stay more than two days, and residents are wholly responsible for the behaviour of and any damage done by their guests. Under-16s must be accompanied at all times. Insurance The University does not accept responsibility for residents’ personal possessions. Your first payment includes a fee for block Halls insurance, it is essential that you check that the cover provided is adequate to your needs by visiting http://www.bristol.ac.uk/secretary/insurance/informationforstudents.html Kitchens and Pantries There are two pantries on each floor, each with a sink, small cooker, fridge and electric kettle and microwave. Utensils, crockery and cutlery are not provided. Crockery and cutlery from the dining hall must not be taken to the residential blocks. Washing-up in the pantries is the responsibility of residents. Cleaners are not responsible for washing-up. One of the major causes of bad feeling amongst residents is people failing to pull their weight in washing-up duties. Laundry A laundry service is not provided. A launderette can be found at the back of the main administration block, on the ground floor of B block and ground floor of D block. The cost is currently £1.80p for a wash cycle and 50p for 30 minutes tumble drying. Litter Residents are responsible for ensuring that the grounds are kept free of litter. Lost Keys Room and wardrobe keys are issued on a key ring at the beginning of each session. Keys must be returned to the hall porter at the end of each session. A charge, presently £20, is made for the replacement of room keys. These are obtainable from the porter or Hall Office. 8 Lockouts If you are locked out from your room, you can go to the following people who will let you back in: Porters Monday – Friday 7.00am – 7.00pm Duty Senior Resident Saturday 9.00am – 11.00am Monday – Friday 7.30pm – 11.30pm Saturday and Sunday Security Officers Monday – Sunday At all other times, please see the Duty Manager. 2.00pm – 11.30pm 11.30pm – 6.00am Details of Duty Senior Residents can be found on notice boards in each block. Please note: After 18th October Senior Residents will only action lockouts every hour, on the hour, except in an emergency. University Security Officers: telephone external 0117 928 7848, or internal 87848. Mail Your mailing address at Hall is: Your name, Hiatt Baker Hall, Parry’s Lane, Stoke Bishop, Bristol BS9 1AD Mail is available for collection from the pigeon holes at the Porters’ Lodge. Any parcels or signed-for letters are listed, and residents must show photographic ID, such as a meal card or student card, to collect. Mail delivered after resident has left accommodation will be returned to sender, where possible. Overseas students can make arrangements with the Porters, for mail delivered over the summer to be held for collection until the beginning of the next academic year. Management All University of Bristol residences are managed in compliance with Universities UK Code of Practice, a copy is available in the Hall office and full details are available at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/accommodation/uuk/ . Warden: Gordon Trevett, email: gordon.trevett@bristol.ac.uk Deputy Warden: Rosa Vasilaki, email: e.r.vasilaki@bristol.ac.uk Student Support Administrator : Mrs JM Norton, email: jane.norton@bristol.ac.uk Accommodation Manager: Mrs TA Brooks, email: tracey.brooks@bristol.ac.uk Catering Manager: Mr DD Jones, email: daniel.jones@bristol.ac.uk Contact telephone numbers: Warden’s House Deputy Warden’s House Hall Office Housekeeping Office Catering Office Gordon Trevett Rosa Vasilaki Jane Norton Tracey Brooks Daniel Jones 0117 90 32973 0117 9032971 0117 90 32990 0117 90 32980 0117 90 32977 9 Meals Hiatt Baker Hall provides the following meals: Term time weekdays (Monday-Friday): Breakfast 7.30am – 9.00am Evening meal 5.30pm – 7.00pm. Saturdays, brunch 11.00am – 1.00pm. Term time Sundays: Continental breakfast is served from 9.30am-10.00, Lunch from 12.30 noon – 1.30pm. Term time Bank Holidays: Continental breakfast 9.30-10.00am Lunch 12.30-1.30pm Early breakfasts can be arranged on request to the catering department, and late meals booked for collection up to 7.30pm. Packed meals are available seven days a week and to supplement any meal with 24 hours notice required, by arrangement with the catering department. Meals are provided for residents only. Meals are available to guests: payment in cash should be made at the Servery to the Duty Manager. Residents must bring their Meal Cards to all meals. Any student who lends his or her meal card or misuses it in any other way will be charged for the meals taken and may face disciplinary action. Meals are intended to be eaten in the dining hall, students should not remove food from the dining hall. Replacement meal cards cost £2. Breakfast costs £3 for each guest. Dinner and Brunch cost £4 for each guest. Residents with special dietary requirements should speak to Daniel Jones, the Catering Manager, or email him at : daniel.jones@bristol.ac.uk Formal meals are held each term. Please note that on these occasions men should wear jackets and ties – dinner jackets are optional, and women should dress appropriately. For all other meals a reasonable standard of dress (not nightwear) and behaviour is required in the dining hall, and footwear is essential. On Formal meal nights, those not attending can collect a packed meal between 5.306.00pm by ordering the day before. Please note that during the Christmas and Easter vacations, meals need to be booked and are extra to Hall fees. They will not necessarily be supplied at Hiatt Baker, but at another catered Hall in Stoke Bishop. Medical Care All residents are advised to register with the University’s Students Health Service, registration events will take place throughout Freshers’ week or see http://www.bristol.ac.uk/students-health/ 10 Repairs Décor and furnishings will be maintained in good order in accordance with the relevant regulations, with regular checks taken on defects. If a repair is needed you should obtain a Student Fault Request Form from rack outside the Hall Office and give details of the problem and return it to a porter or the Hall Office. For emergency maintenance, out of hours, contact University Security on 87848. Repairs are managed and carried out by the University’s Building Services who also ensure that the University complies with the Statutory Requirements of Legislation affecting the safe and efficient use of the residences. You can find out more about them at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/safe/Bursar/BuildingServices/sla/sla.pdf . Building Services aims to respond to repair requests to a timetable: Type of Work Emergency, for example loss of water supply, major flood Critical, for example loss of heating, cooking facilities Urgent, minor leak, blocked drain Routine for example repair to non essential furniture or kitchen equipment Target Response Time Response within one hour, rectification as soon as possible but within 24 hours Response and repair commenced within 24 Response and repair commenced with 5 working days A specific date will be agreed usually within 5 weeks Rubbish and Recycling The University provides recycling and composting facilities for all students at their halls of residence and also at every University building. You can recycle: Papers Cardboard Glass Tins and cans Plastics Food waste (from Hall kitchen only) Clothes, shoes, bric-a-brac etc For more information, locations of your nearest recycling facilities or to download a poster visit; http://www.bristol.ac.uk/environment/waste/recycling/accommodation.html Your rubbish bin should be placed outside your study door by 9.00am if you wish to have it emptied. Bins in pantries are emptied daily on weekdays, with spare bags available on weekends. Each study-bedroom has a blue recycling bin, which you are strongly encouraged to use. Residents are responsible for emptying their own recycling bins. Recycling stations for glass, paper, tins and cardboard are located by the upper bike sheds, behind the Library Block and by the Source Café. Plastic recycling station is behind the Library Block. Clothes, shoes, bric-a-brac etc can be recycled at the end of the academic year by placing in the Library Block Foyer. Batteries can also be recycled, via the Porters’ Lodge. 11 Security Security in the residences is managed by the University’s Security Services in accordance with a Service Level Agreement, further details may be found at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/securityservices/safe/documents/hallssla2.pdf . There are University Security patrolmen on duty throughout the night. Storage Hiatt Baker Hall provides storage for overseas students possessions during the summer vacation if the student is returning to Hall the following year, subject to the student agreeing to the following provisions: Possessions are not insured by the University, students are responsible for arranging my own insurance. The University is not liable for any loss or damage to possessions howsoever caused. The University has no duty of care in respect of stored possessions Students must not store any flammable, dangerous or perishable items University staff can inspect stored possessions at any time and this may include forcing open suitcases or boxes if necessary. Any possessions not collected within six months of the date of this agreement may be disposed of or sold without further notice. Students may be charged for any disposal costs and any proceeds after costs from a sale of goods will be donated to charity. Possessions may be stored in or moved to any storage space considered appropriate by the University at any time. There is a charge for this service. For details enquire at the Hall Office. Students with disabilities or special needs There are a variety of adapted rooms available within the residences to meet the needs of most students. If you have a special requirement because of your health or disability please let Student Support Administrator know and we will try to meet it. If you are disabled please ensure that you are aware of any special arrangements that are made for your evacuation in case of fire by discussing them with your Senior Resident. Residents with temporary mobility difficulties must inform the Student Support Administrator in order that emergency evacuation procedures can be implemented if necessary. Transfers Students wishing to transfer between residences should complete and return the transfer form which they will find on the accommodation office website. No transfers will take place during the first two weeks of term. The accommodation office will contact students if a suitable room becomes available, priority for transfers will be given to anyone who needs to transfer because of a health problem or a disability. A reletting fee of up to £100 may be charged to cover the costs of administration, room cleaning etc. Students wishing to transfer rooms within their own residence should contact their student support administrator. No transfers will take place during the first two weeks of term. The student support administrator will contact the student if a suitable room becomes available, priority for transfers will be given to anyone who needs to move 12 because of a health problem or a disability. A reletting fee of up to £20 may be charged to cover the costs of administration, room cleaning etc. Transport Bristol is a very congested city. The University Precinct is contained within the Kingsdown Residents Parking Scheme, therefore the majority of on-street parking in and around the Precinct is subject to local residents’ residential permits, meters and/or time limits. There is also no student parking in the University Precinct car parks apart from disabled parking. Students should avoid bringing cars to Bristol. If you do have to have a car you must have a University residence car parking permit to use in the residences car parks only - permits are available from the Student Support Administrator prior to arrival. The University provides a free bus service between Stoke Bishop and the Precinct on weekdays and Stoke Bishop to Bristol Temple Meads (via the Precinct) on the weekends. Students in allocated accommodation can also use their bus pass on the other Wessex Red ‘U’ services free of charge - see http://www.bristol.ac.uk/university-bus The University offers free bicycle safety checks at the University’s Cycle Surgery. The surgery takes place on the Precinct during the term time – see http://www.bristol.ac.uk/cycle-surgery Bicycles should be stored in the lockable cycle ports at all times. Keys are available on arrival at a cost of £10, with a full refund on return at the end of the year. Bicycles must not be kept in student rooms, stairwells or corridors. Members of Hall may not park vehicles in the Hall grounds other than in the allocated space. The University does not accept any responsibility for vehicles parked in the Hall area. This includes any motor vehicles, motorcycles or bicycles, including these kept in the locked sheds. Owners of motor vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles are strongly urged to have adequate insurance against theft or damage. Hiatt Baker Hall is in Parry’s Lane, near the northern edge of the Downs, about two miles north of the main University buildings, to which there is a public bus connection from the bus stop in Parry’s Lane (Service no. 41). From the White Tree roundabout at the top of the hill the services are numbers 1, 41 and 55. Help + Support Weekdays from 8.30am the Student Support Administrator is in the Hall Office to help residents with advice on any matter, and also to deal with student administration. She is the first port of call for all queries during office hours. Do not hesitate to contact her. The Warden, Deputy Warden and Senior Residents are normally resident in Hall. Senior Resident rooms are situated in the residential blocks. The Senior Resident should be turned to in the first instance in case of difficulty or emergency when the Hall Office is closed. They are also available to talk over any problems of an academic or more personal nature. If something is troubling you, do not hesitate to approach your Senior Resident to discuss it. Appointments to see the Warden or can be made through the Hall Office. Student Help, an online resource provided by the Students Union at http://www.bris.ac.uk/studenthelp/ 13 Accommodation Office, for help with all housing related problems, at http://www.bris.ac.uk/accommodation/ Student Counselling, Bristol Nightline, http://www.bristol.ac.uk/student-counselling/ http://www.bristol.ac.uk/nightline/ Student Funding Office, for help with all money problems, http://www.bristol.ac.uk/studentfunding/ or telephone 0117 331 7972. 14 Section 2 Residences Local Rules The Residences Local Rules As well as being a tenant of the University you are also a member of your Hall or House community. Every member has a responsibility to their community in return for the benefits they receive. You will be expected to abide by the University’s Rules and Regulations for Students which you can find at http://www.bris.ac.uk/secretary/studentrulesregs/ as well as the Residences Code of Conduct. The main requirements are outlined below: Bus Passes Bus passes are for use by the student named on the card exclusively. Any student who lends his or her bus smartcard or misuses it in any other way will face disciplinary action and may have their card revoked Communal living Residents are expected to respect each other and as far as is reasonable promote the well being of the community. Disciplinary Action will be taken in the case of: Any violent, indecent, disorderly, threatening, intimidating or offensive behaviour or language whether expressed orally or in writing, including electronically. Sexual, racial or any other form of harassment, including bullying of any student or member of staff of the University, or any visitor to the University. Excessive noise that causes a disturbance to other residents at any time of day or night. Any other behaviour that causes danger or distress. Failure to maintain the accommodation including any communal areas in a reasonably clean condition. Damage to or misuse of the residence or its contents Any student who wilfully damages, or allows his or her guest to damage the residence, its grounds or its contents may be subject to disciplinary action in addition to the requirement to pay for the cost of repairs or replacement as detailed in this Handbook. Flyposting or displaying promotional material without permission is prohibited. Students are also forbidden to promote non-University clubs (including the sale of tickets for a club whether or not at a profit) or engage in other commercial activities on residence grounds or premises. This does not apply to the sale of tickets by members of a JCR for a JCR-approved event at a club. Drugs and Alcohol Under the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1971, it is a criminal offence for the University knowingly to permit the use, production or supply of any controlled drugs in residences. It should be clear, therefore, that we do not condone the possession, use or supply of illicit drugs on any of its premises. In the case of drug misuse, we will take appropriate disciplinary action, which may include referral to the Police. The University makes available health information regarding drugs. If you have a problem or are concerned about drugs, you should seek advice from the Student Health Service or your GP 15 Whilst alcohol is not illegal and its consumption, subject to the Licensing Act, 2003, is permitted in residences, the University is concerned about the detrimental effects of excessive alcohol consumption on the overall welfare of students. In particular, we seek to discourage the inappropriate use of alcohol, particularly during the day, and the excessive consumption of alcohol during social events. The serious risk to health occasioned by the combination of drugs and alcohol is also emphasized. The University does not condone the misuse of alcohol and students who are found to be acting in an inappropriate manner under the influence of alcohol may be subject to disciplinary action. The University will take every precaution to prevent the sale of alcohol to under 18 year olds on its premises. Any student who uses drugs or misuses alcohol will incur a disciplinary penalty which may include being require to attend a University approved drug and/or alcohol awareness course. The cost of the course will be charged to the student (£50 in 2011/12), Fire safety You should note that propping open fire doors, blocking access or fire exits, damage to or misuse of fire alarms, fire-fighting equipment or detectors including the covering of smoke or heat detectors will be viewed as a serious disciplinary offence. Possible penalties will include fines or referral to the Pro Vice Chancellor for formal disciplinary proceedings. In addition students who endanger other students or damage firefighting equipment will be referred to the Police and may face eviction. Health and Safety It is the intention of the University to maintain and to improve the health and safety of all its members. To this end it applies and enforces all current legal requirements together with other appropriate safety measures where reasonably applicable. In particular residents must: Take reasonable care for their own Health and Safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions. Inform the Senior Resident, Deputy Warden, Warden or other appropriate persons of any situations that could represent a threat to the Health and Safety of residents or other users of the building. Seek medical advice from a General Practitioner if he/she suspects any medical condition that may be study/course related. Co-operate with the University to enable it to comply with any relevant statutory provisions. Not interfere with or misuse equipment provided for safety purposes. On arrival at the University, make known to their Warden or Senior Resident any circumstances or conditions that may affect their health and safety (such as disabilities, allergies or similar conditions). This will enable the student and the University to discuss and agree appropriate health and safety procedures. Any breaches of these Health and Safety requirements may result in disciplinary action. In particular any interference with fire safety equipment or setting of false fire alarms will be treated as a serious disciplinary offence and reported to the police. Please Note: Student rooms are inspected regularly for Health & Safety regulations. Notification of inspections is given by posters in the locale. 16 Smoking All residences are non smoking, students must not smoke in any bedrooms or communal areas inside the residence buildings, this includes all corridors, kitchens, bathrooms, WCs, common rooms, bars, games rooms. Anyone found smoking or allowing a guest or visitor to smoke anywhere in the residence will be subject to disciplinary action and/or prosecution under the Smoke-free legislation introduced in July 2007 Additionally the University has a Smoke Free Policy which you can find at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/safety/policy/cop/smokingpolicy.pdf , which all students must observe and this includes not smoking outside buildings where that might cause a nuisance. Disciplinary Action The Warden is authorised by the University Council to impose a penalty for any breach of the Residences’ Code of Conduct. Any student in breach of the Code or guilty of any other misconduct as defined by the University’s Rules and Regulations may incur one or more of the following penalties: A written reprimand; A caution, which means that no penalty is imposed, but if the student is found guilty of misconduct on a subsequent occasion in the following twelve months (or some other specified period), he or she will then be dealt with for both offences: A fine not exceeding £100 The requirement to pay a reasonable sum by way of compensation for identified and quantified loss; The requirement to give and comply with a written undertaking as to future behaviour; The requirement to perform unpaid services for the University community to a maximum of 20 hours Exclusion, either permanently or for a specified period, from the use of a specified University service or facility (including specified residential facilities) to which the misconduct relates; In the case of serious misconduct referral to the Disciplinary Committee, which in addition to the penalties listed above may exclude, suspend or expel the student. In the case of a breach or misconduct which is also a criminal offence, referral to the police Where the breach or misconduct is also a breach of the Terms of Residence the student(s) may be referred to the Director of Residential and Hospitality Services who may take steps to evict the student(s). Financial penalties will be invoiced and collected and if necessary enforced in the same way as any other financial obligations of students to the University. Financial penalties imposed by Wardens may be collected by withholding all or part of a student’s deposit. Any student who does not wish to be dealt with by the Warden may ask to be referred to the University Disciplinary Committee Appeals There is no internal appeal against the serving of a notice to leave the residence, the student has the right to defend an application for possession in the County Court. A student on whom a disciplinary penalty is imposed under section 3.3 of these Regulations may appeal against the finding of guilt or the imposition of the penalty. 17 Appeals must be submitted in writing to the University Secretary within seven working days of notification of the penalty. Upon receipt of the appeal, the Secretary will arrange for it to be considered by a University Officer or a member of the academic staff who is also a member of Senate or a senior administrative officer not previously associated with the case. The person considering the appeal may reject the appeal and confirm the original penalty, uphold the appeal, or refer the case to a Council Committee established under the procedures set out in the Regulations. 18 Section 3 Local Rules and Information specific to Hiatt Baker Hall The University takes its role as a good neighbour seriously. Residents in the Stoke Bishop halls are part of a wider community and have a responsibility to ensure that our neighbours are able to enjoy their homes and conduct their lives without aggravation, or disruption from our students individually, or collectively. Drunken, loud or disruptive behaviour by students in either the halls and their grounds, or in the roads and lanes surrounding the halls, such as Hollybush Lane and along the route to the bus stop on Saville Road, is viewed seriously and will result in disciplinary action being taken against any identified student, either by the Warden of his or her hall of residence, by the Senior Warden or by the Pro Vice-Chancellor'. Bar – Castor Club The Castor Club is a private club by which the Hall is granted a licence to sell alcohol. All residents are members of and bound by the rules of the Club, which is run by a Club Committee, chaired by the Warden, and composed of staff and students. The Committee has the responsibility to ensure compliance with statutory provisions and club rules as well as the proper operation of the bar by the student officers. The day-to-day management of the Bar is the responsibility of the Bar Management Committee, chaired by the Bar Supervisor, and which reports to the Club Committee. While the Club is for members only, all members of Stoke Bishop Halls and all students who are former residents of Hiatt Baker are Associate Members, and may use the facilities. Working behind the bar is an excellent way of meeting people and earning a bit of extra cash. You should contact the Deputy Warden if you are interested. Dates for the Session Autumn term: Monday 3rd Oct 2011- Friday 16th December 2011 Spring term: Friday 13th January 2012- Friday 23rd March 2012 Summer term: Monday 23rd April 2012- Friday 21st June 2012 Fees for Hiatt Baker in GBP Room type Single room Single room with wash basin Ensuite Fee Damage Deposit 4968 200 5176 200 JCR Fee 50 50 Mandatory Insurance 15.75 15.75 Total 6184 200 50 15.75 6449.75 Installments due dates Room type Single room Single room with wash basin Ensuite Due 24th Oct 2067.25 2138.75 2497.75 Due 24th Jan 1665 1730 2060 5233.75 5441.75 Due 24th April 1501.5 1573 1892 Internet All study-bedrooms have data points. ResNet – part of the University’s Information Services division – provide the connection to the University network and the internet, 19 enabling students with a computer to use email and the world-wide web from their own room. The subscription charge to use the service is presently £60 for ResNet Standard, or £80 for ResNet Max (with a larger bandwidth). Application forms are available from the Hall Office and details available at: http://www.resnet.bristol.ac.uk/ There is also a computer room for use by residents in the Library block, with direct access to the University’s network. When you register with the University, you are also automatically registered to use its computer network: the University will issue you with a user name and password. Litter Residents are asked to be responsible, and not to litter the grounds. You are welcome to picnic or drink and eat anywhere in the grounds. Do not take furniture outside and PLEASE take your litter and rubbish away with you. Fines may be issued. Music There are two music practice rooms in the Library Block, one with a new upright piano and the other with a drum kit. The Hall’s grand piano is located in the dining hall. Please note the next section, entitled “Noise”. Noise Consideration about noise must be shown at all times towards other students and the University’s neighbours. This includes: being considerate about playing loud music; being quiet when getting in from a night out; turning your music down if asked. Headphones for your amplified sound systems are a very good investment. The playing of electric guitars, drums or loud music will disturb others, and these may not be played in student rooms, or in the Hall’s music practice rooms. One of your obligations under the University’s Student Residence Conditions (see the “Residences’ Code of Conduct” section below) is that you must not make any noise that is audible to your neighbours after 11pm or before 8am. For safety reasons, private parties are not permitted in the residential blocks. There is an arrangement by which some rooms, with the permission of the Warden, may be hired for this purpose. Returning to Hall Members of Hall can be considered for a place in Hall for their second or subsequent years. The number of vacancies for returning students is limited, and applications have to be made during the Spring Term. Room Safety and Maintenance Residents must be aware that they have a personal responsibility for observing health, safety and maintenance regulations and procedures relating to conditions and contents of their individual study-bedrooms. In particular residents are asked to comply with the following: Candles, joss-sticks etc. must not be burnt in rooms. 20 Any electrical, plumbing or general maintenance (including those in the launderette) should be reported immediately to the Housekeeping Office. In each study-bedroom, posters must only be pinned to the boards provided. Damage to wall surfaces will be charged to residents. On no account may posters be attached to ceilings. Paper lampshades, drapes and other hangings present major fire risks in rooms and must not be used. Beds and desks must not be moved in front of the fixed wall heaters and thus create a risk of fire. Residents who wish to bring small extra items of furniture must have prior permission. Only mini or ‘table top’ fridges are permitted in study bedrooms. Restrainers fixed to study-bedroom windows limiting the extent of opening must not be released or removed. In order to avoid condensation in study-bedrooms, it is essential that you have some ventilation. We advise that whenever the room is occupied, the window is opened for short periods. Further advice can be obtained from the Housekeeping Department. For Health and Safety reasons, students may not keep pets in their rooms. The Housekeeping staff carry out regular safety checks of study-bedrooms to ensure that these health and safety regulations are being observed. Security As in any large building used by many people, there is some risk from walk-in thieves, particularly in the first few days of term. Members of the Hall are advised to keep valuables under lock and key, and to lock study-bedrooms when they are away from them, for however short a time. It is also advisable to have your room locked while sleeping. Please ensure ground floor windows are secured when vacating your room. The University Security Services operate a 24-hour service, telephone 0117 928 7848, internal 87848. There are University Security patrolmen on duty throughout the night. Senior Residents There are eleven Senior Residents in Hiatt Baker Hall who, together with the Deputy Warden and Warden, comprise the Senior Common Room (SCR) . They play an important part in Hall life. First, they are part of the pastoral team. Each Senior Resident is responsible for a group of individual students in Hall, usually for two of the floors. Your Senior Resident will want to get to know you as an individual. You should actively get to know him or her too: that may sound a little strange, but this is much easier for you than for your Senior Resident (who may have 50 other students to get to know too!). See also the section below on “Welfare and support”. Secondly, they act as duty Senior Residents. There is a Senior Resident on duty every weekday night from 7.30pm until 11.30pm, and at weekends from 1.30pm until 11.30pm. The weekly duty Senior Resident list is posted on notice boards. You should not disturb a Senior Resident after 11.30pm except in an emergency. Thirdly, each Senior Resident has a portfolio responsibility about particular aspects of the Hall’s life: sport, drama, Bar, music, and so on. Telephones There is a telephone in every study-bedroom. Internal calls within the University are free of charge for both incoming and outgoing calls. External outgoing calls are by 21 means of TRUST Phonecard, a pre-paid phone service especially for students. To register visit: http://www.trustphonecard.co.uk/home.html Alternatively you can register using a card, to be found in the ‘Welcome’ pack in your room. These cards can be loaded with a cash value from most debit and credit cards. Incoming external calls may be received in study-bedrooms. The telephone numbers are : 0117 90 XXXXX(Internal telephone number) Your internal telephone number can be found on the underside of your telephone, or ask a porter. If you have problems with your phone, please speak to the porter, who will be able to advise. For line faults, please report at: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/telephones/ Television The David Poole room in the Library block carries terrestrial TV, and there is a large screen in the bar, for DVD and video. Personal televisions in study-bedrooms require a separate television license. 22